One in seven universities shun A-levels for own admissions tests

Universities are introducing their own admissions tests because they believe
A-levels are not reliable indicators of a student's ability, a report has
revealed.

By Laura Clout

1:37PM BST 17 Jul 2008

Around 14 per cent of higher education institutions, one in seven, use one or more entrance exams, a study of admissions procedures by the vice-chancellors' group Universities UK, found.

The findings will add to fears that the existing curriculum is seen as no longer fit for purpose.

Critics say A-levels are no longer rigorous enough to pick out the best students, because the pressure of targets and league tables forces schools to "teach to the test" - meaning pupils miss out on key subject knowledge.

The report says admissions tests are considered particularly useful for high-demand courses, such as medicine, dentistry, and veterinary studies, although they are also used on other courses.

It highlights concern that such exams will benefit better-off candidates, whose parents can afford coaching.

"Another concern is that tests could give rise to an undesirable (and profitable) industry that would provide coaching for those who could afford it..." the report reads.

"They could represent an additional financial burden on applicants, particularly those entering through non-traditional routes."

Of the 132 members of Universities UK, it is estimated that 18 are setting their own tests. Many of these are among the Russell Group of leading research universities.

Private coaching for the admissions tests can cost as much as £500, with a further fee required to take the exam itself.

Imperial College London recently announced it would introduce an entrance exam, and the outgoing vice-chancellor, Sir Richard Sykes, said more universities would follow.

The Liberal Democrats' universities spokesman, Stephen Williams, warned that university entrance exams could pose a further barrier to widening participation.

"Taking such tests can be costly, and pupils from better-off backgrounds are more likely to be coached in advance," he said.

He called for an overhaul of the admissions system, so that students apply after they receive their A-level results, rather than being offered places based on their predicted grades.

Universities UK says institutions should say why and how they are using admissions tests.

Professor Rick Trainor, president of the umbrella body said: "Successive government reviews have found current admissions processes to be generally fair. Universities are striving further to improve the fairness and transparency of their admissions procedures and to ensure that they are seen to be doing so."